New Energy Minister Shmyhal promises to stop oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, who was dismissed yesterday, has been appointed to the post of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy.
The Verkhovna Rada made this decision at a plenary session, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
"The full-scale invasion has been ongoing for four years now, during which Ukraine continues transit through the Druzhba oil pipeline. Russia earns at least $7 billion a year from this. In exchange, they buy missiles and Shahids—and destroy Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
"Furthermore, it turns out there's also a corruption component. But my question is simple: are you, in this position, prepared to immediately halt transit through the Druzhba pipeline and stop funding Russia?" asked Deputy Artur Gerasimov.
Denys Shmyhal complained that due to its obligations to the EU, Ukraine cannot unilaterally stop transit, but will seek to do so through diplomatic means.
" I am categorically in favor of Russian oil being subject to sanctions. I am against Russia exporting its petroleum products to Europe.
All these issues are currently being addressed by our European partners, the European Commission. Unfortunately, Hungary and Slovakia are exempt from sanctions. Therefore, sanctions must be imposed, and they must stop exporting.
Ukraine cannot violate the Association Agreement yet, but we will demand sanctions and a ban on Russian oil exports,” Shmyhal promised.
But not all deputies liked the candidate, who is unlikely to change the lives of Ukrainians for the better.
"The fact that you're transferring Shmyhal back and forth yet again is, of course, great. But it won't bring any warmth or light," said controversial parliamentarian Oleksiy Goncharenko.
The appointment was supported by 248 deputies out of the minimum required 226. The appointed minister took the Ukrainian oath of office there.
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